League Preview: Derry City -v- Sligo Rovers

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes go in search of their first win in four league matches when they welcome a resurgent Sligo Rovers to the Brandywell (kick-off is at 7.45 pm).

Derry City have not won in over a month, with their last victory occurring when they emerged victorious over Limerick on a final score line of 2-0. However, it's been even longer since they came out on top in a home encounter; their 3-0 triumph over fellow strugglers Drogheda United back in March evidence of that.

No doubt, their recent elimination from the EA Sports Cup at the hands of Shamrock Rovers won't have done their confidence any good, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

With less distractions, they will look to push on and keep in check, edging away from the relegation zone, something manager Peter Hutton feels they've been unable to do due to a depleted squad.

“There is no-one more frustrated that myself, but we have not been able to deal with a full deck of cards yet and it's really impacted on our squad," Hutton insisted ahead of the clash.

"We will certainly be competitive against Sligo and it's important we remain positive," he added.

SLIGO ROVERS

Having finally savoured the sweet taste of victory in the Premier Division in 2015 with a win against Drogheda United, Owen Heary's Sligo Rovers will be eager to ensure it wasn't merely a flash in the pan with a second consecutive victory for the first time this season.

Keen to avoid the drop, despite the early stage of the campaign, the players and all involved at the club will be desperate to pick up points wherever they can – and a victorious trip to the Brandywell is not a total impossibility.

Indeed, with just two points separating the pair, the margins are already incredibly fine, something that ought to make this one all the more compelling for both sets of supporters.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Heary's positivity was crystal clear, and so was his plan to instigate an energetic performance.

“It’s important that we build on last weekend’s win tomorrow night. It is a big game for us and we have two more big games coming soon against Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk,” he said.

“For them it will be a third game in seven days so we will try to take advantage of that and play at a high tempo. Hopefully in the last 10 or 15 minutes our better fitness levels can show through and we can push on,” the Sligo supremo concluded.

Referee: Arnold Hunter (IFA).

MATCH STATS

This is the third meeting between the two sides this year. The last time the two sides met in the league, the clash ended in a 1-1 draw, while Derry emerged victorious 2-0 in an EA Sports Cup clash at the Showgrounds.

The hosts have netted the lowest amount of top-flight league goals this season with only nine, while between them, the two outfits have converted less than league leaders Dundalk.

BETTING

Derry 9/5; Draw 11/5; Sligo 6/4.

PREDICTION

This one is shaping up to be a dogged affair. With both sides desperate for points to get some momentum, expect more than a few shots in anger and don't be surprised if there is a share of the spoils, a result neither club will be too disappointed with. A final score of 1-1.

Derry

Injured: Ryan McBride (hamstring), Patrick McEleney, Stephen Dooley.

Doubtful: Gerard Doherty (back), Philip Lowry (knee).

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson (foot), Jake Dykes (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: David Cawley.